A professional cornhole player who is a quadruple amputee acted in self-defence when he fatally shot a passenger in his car during a heated argument, his defence attorney asserted on Wednesday. Dayton James Webber, 27, faces serious charges including first- and second-degree murder, assault, and firearm offences following the incident on March 22.
Court Appearance and Bail Hearing
Webber appeared via videoconference in Charles County District Court for a bail hearing, where Judge Patrick Devine ordered him held without bail. The judge noted that Webber had left Maryland after the shooting of 27-year-old Bradrick Michael Wells. Webber, who was extradited from Virginia, has not yet entered a plea and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on May 6.
Defence Attorney's Statement
His defence attorney, Andrew Jezic, told the court that Webber acted in self-defence and anticipates "a lengthy trial" to argue the case comprehensively. After the hearing, Jezic informed reporters that his client was "terrified" during the altercation.
"The truth here is that he would have been a murder victim if he had not acted immediately in defence of his life," Jezic emphasised, outlining the core of the defence strategy.
Details of the Incident
According to police charging documents, Webber is accused of shooting Wells, of Waldorf, twice in the head during an argument. Witnesses in the car told authorities the dispute centred on a gun that a friend of Wells had stolen from Webber, with Webber reportedly upset that Wells remained friends with the thief.
Karen Piper Mitchell, a deputy state's attorney, argued for Webber to remain in custody, highlighting that he drove to Virginia after the shooting and owns firearms. The charging documents reveal that after the shooting in La Plata, Maryland, Webber pulled over and asked two backseat passengers to help remove the victim, but they refused, exited the vehicle, and flagged down police officers.
Aftermath and Arrest
The Charles County sheriff’s office stated that Webber fled with the victim still in the car. Approximately two hours later, a resident in Charlotte Hall, about 10 miles away, discovered Wells’ body in a yard along a road and notified officers. Detectives subsequently tracked down Webber’s car in Charlottesville, Virginia, and located Webber at a hospital where he was "seeking treatment for a medical issue."
Background of the Accused
Webber, whose arms and legs were amputated when he was 10 months old due to a severe blood infection, has gained recognition as an inspirational figure. He was featured by ESPN in 2023 for his resilience, engaging in activities like riding dirt bikes, wrestling, and playing football before becoming a professional cornhole player.
That same year, he penned an essay for the "Today" show detailing his journey to professional competition, explaining how he learned to grab the bean bag by the corners and throw it using his amputated arms. Family members of Webber declined to comment after the recent court hearing, as the legal proceedings unfold.
